"If you are hearing this, it means that you activated the emergency measures for the second time already. While we strive to provide the best company-to-user experience, it would be the best if you could follow the decorative markers and aim to reach the high heaven in the shortest time possible, as explained in the set of main missions. With that said, we wish you luck on your endeavours!

God and C.O"

Playing all the messages hidden within the notifications that were flashing in front of my eyes, I couldn't help but keep cursing inwardly as I ran through the open field of the arena in hopes of reaching Eve before her nightmare would repeat.

If my worried were true, even a single successful attack would be enough to kill her and turn her into something that even I wouldn't be able to stomach. That's why I was under such a pressure that I was capable of disregarding the constant paint from my cracking body!

With the attacks from my Santa self, the barrier just disappeared, along with a huge chunk of the tribunes and everyone who was dumb enough to remain there after surviving my sun flare.

Dashing through the open field of the arena, I didn't care about all the ash that stuck to my clothes. All the screams of pain and terror that already started coming from all over the city were more than enough for me to confirm my guess.

Plop.

As if God himself wanted to assure me, a small, round thing fallen down to the earth, near the route that I took towards Eve. Turning my head around as I ran past it, I was able to see it standing up as a cute, little baby, and turning into a disgusting zombie in a matter of seconds!

What surprised me though, was that the moment it saw me as the closest target, it dashed towards me at a speed that I would never attribute to a fucking baby even if it was the healthiest toddler in the world!

Banking on the fact that I was still able to retain my edge in terms of speed, I ignored the pain in my joints and kicked the earth, already close enough to the edge of the tribunes to reach it with a single jump.

The ensuing chaos that started with my powerfull attack and only escalated with everything that happened afterwards was more than enough to throw all the assailants into disarray. From the looks of things, as soon as Eve realised that the dices have been thrown, she didn't hold back and with the help of her sword, managed to get rid of two of them.

As for the others, I couldn't be bothered anymore. They would have their own share of troubles in trying to stabilize this fucking city.

Without any care for appearances or caution, as soon as I got close enough, I just grabbed Eve's tired body and pulled her into my embrace.

Only by feeling her warmth, her breath I was able to finally calm down a bit.

"I was so worried!"

Barely able to whisper those words, I was surprised with the greatness of the relief that made all the pain, worries and fears go away.

"I'm so happy that you are here! Are you okay?"

Being the one more clearheaded out of our duo, Eve was the first one to push me out at the distance of her arms. I guess the events that were going on right now were going too far for her to keep her calm, even with me on her side.

"I wasn't but now I am."

Not going to break such a sweet moment, I brought her back towards me, this time aiming for her mouth. Feeling the rationality coming back to me with the sweet taste of her soft lips, this time I took the initiative to move aside.

"Listen, we need to run right…"

Before I managed to finish the sentence, all alarms in my head went off.

Not even daring to turn around to see what was coming, I instantly deployed as many shields as I was capable of.

Slit.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel any pain or impact. Using the time I had since the opponent apparently missed, I turned around and stood in a daze.

This damned Nelson didn't die from my other form attack!

While he was tattered all over and it was clear that he was on the edge of losing his consciousness, he was still able to execute such powerful attacks!

"I won't… Let… you escape!"

Before he even managed to finish his sentence, I could already see a new barrage of attacks heading my way.

I guess cultivators have some means of attacking at the distance as well!

Grabbing Eve's arm shoulders in a tight hug, I threw both of us to the side, while casting firewall to cover out traces. In his state, I doubt that this damned protector would be able to track us with energy vision!

"Listen, we need to escape right… now…"

As I turned my head towards Eve, the entire world darkened out.

The first attack, either wasn't aimed at me, or missed in the worst way possible.

While she was still conscious, with a fist-sized hole in her chest, just a finger away from her heart… Eve was done for.

NO FUCKING WAY!

"HOLD ON!"

Ignoring the instant pain that overwhelmed me the moment I stopped casting healing on myself, I poured all my might and attention into healing my beloved one. Even if it was a haphazard and ineffective method, as long as I would be able to trade off all my power for her life, I wouldn't hesitate even a second!

"I-it's… alright."

Raising her hand with a clear effort, Eve's fingers lightly tightened on my palm, placed over her critical wound.

"I'm g-glad… you a-are… okay."

With the smile as faint as if it never existed in the first place, Eve was clearly using way too much of her remaining strength to speak those words.

THERE IS NO FUCKING WAY I'M LETTING IT END LIKE THAT!

"W-where are y-you basta..rd!"

THis fucker….

No, I can't divert my attention.

With everything that's going on, I need to think of a way to save her!

BONGER, HELP!

"Blop!"

"System is regenerating."

"Remaining time: four minutes."

FOR FUCK SAKE!

Pouring even more mana in the continuous cast of the heal, I made sure to fill our dantian to the max, to apply her own regeneration to the wound as well.

"I-it's fine. I'm g-glad… I get to m-meet you."

"Don't speak! Just toughen it out! I will heal you!"

Feeling her fingers relaxing on my hand, my vision clouded when the tears blocked my eyes. No matter how much effort I put in healing her, the wound was not healing at all!

"I love… you."

Her fingers sliding down my hand was the greatest tragedy that ever happened to me. How could she leave me just like that!

No!

I can't give up yet!

The system will be back in only four minutes! As long as I keep healing her, I might be able to save her in the end! NO MATTER THE FUCKING PRICE!

"I… got… you"

When the voice of this damned bastard appeared right behind my back, I felt an insane hatred and wrath clouding my mind, only to be discarded by the overwhelming grief right after.

I can't focus on him. I don't have anyone to take revenge for yet!

With him interfering, I won't be able to heal her. If any of the zombies come close, they will infect her! I need to get the hell out of here!

Unwilling to give up, I grabbed Eve's lifeless hand and screamed.

TELEPORT!